Food You Can Eat: Shrimp a la Greque

Simple recipes that look like you worked to make it fancy.

Shrimp a la Greque

This classic recipe is super easy to make, tastes great, and wows guests ( 4 servings, 30 minutes). I use the Mark Bittman version, from his cookbook called Fish. He’s authored over 30 cookbooks and is now teaching at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. He has a free newsletter you can sign up for on his website.

• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic (I use more)
• 1 ½ cups chopped tomatoes (I use canned, you can use fresh too)
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley (I use more, a ¼ cup or so)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano (I use a full teaspoon)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Ground black pepper to taste
• 1 ½ pounds large shrimp
• 4 ounces feta cheese (I use more, up to 8 ounces)

Heat the olive oil on med-high; turn down to medium heat and sauté garlic till cooked but not brown. Add tomatoes, wine, ½ the parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook down to the consistency of a light puree (thicker than a liquid, thinner than a paste.) Add the shrimp and cook till pink, about 5 minutes. Crumble in the feta, in medium chucks – stir gently to mix. Pour into a serving bowl, top with remaining parsley. Serve with a salad and a crusty bread/baguette to sop up the sauce.

To me, one of the best things about DeadSplinter is the opportunity to “meet” people who are in different life stages – as I have gotten older, my world has become a little bit smaller. Anyway, I’ve got us all covered – because this recipe is about the sauce:

• Vegan? Instead of shrimp, drain some firm tofu, chop into 2” squares, dredge in almond flour, and bake or sauté until the outside is crisp. Add to the sauce.
• On a budget? Instead of shrimp, use chicken tenders (our local store often has them buy one get one free). Cut each tender into 3 pieces, salt and pepper to taste, and bake or sauté until the outside is crisp. Or really, use any protein within your budget. Add to the sauce.
• Living with a bunch of picky-eater children? Instead of shrimp, bake breaded fish sticks as per directions, cut in half. Dribble their fish sticks with sauce and drench yours with the sauce.